The announcement came at a press launch at the century-old former Provincial Hall on Narisorn Rd in Phuket Town, which now serves as offices for the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO).
Also present for the announcement were PPAO President Rewat Areerob; Anchalee Vanich Thepbutr, Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Peranakan Association of Thailand; and Boonperm Inthanapasath, President of the Thailand International Events and Festivals Trade Association.
The festivities for this year’s festival will kick off on Friday, June 21, with a cultural exchange workshop seminar from 1pm to 4pm, featuring participants from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, alongside the Phuket Peranakan community and representatives from six other Andaman and southern provinces.
On Saturday, June 22, from 5pm to 7pm, the ‘Grand Peranakan Parade’ will take place in the heart of the Phuket Old Town area and a flash mob-style cultural dance along Thalang Rd, Phang Nga Rd and Phuket Rd.
Joining the parade will be representatives from 10 other Peranakan communities along the Malay Peninsula. The festival’s theme, ‘Abundant’, is to “showcase the rich cultural heritage and sustainable economic practices of the Peranakan community”, Governor Sophon said.
The festival will conclude on Sunday, June 23, with an international Peranakan Street Performance Art event from 6:30pm to 7:30pm at the Lard Yai Walking Street Market.
This year’s festival promises to elevate the event to an international stage, Governor Sophon said.
Organisers expect over 1,400 people to take part in the festival, which is expected to attract more than 15,000 tourists. The event is projected to generate over B300 million in revenue, he said.
“In collaboration with the PPAO and the Thailand International Events and Festivals Trade Association, the Peranakan Association is aiming to submit the festival for the prestigious Grand Pinnacle Awards in the City Festival category at the World Federation of Festivals and Exhibitions [World IFEA],” Governor Sophon explained.
“The festival plan adheres to international standards for logistics, road closures, environmental considerations, and community relations, with official results expected by the end of August 2024,” he added.